In the race to bridge the mind-machine gap and brain-computer interface (BCI) dominance, Neuralink isn’t the only player speeding towards the finish line. Their competitor, Precision Neuroscience, has surged ahead with a brain implant boasting a record-breaking 4,096 electrodes in a human patient, according to the company’ press release. The previous published record for number of electrodes recording from a human brain was 2,048, demonstrated by Tan et al in 2023.
This surpasses the capabilities of current neural interfaces and signifies a major leap in the field. More electrodes translate to a denser “map” of brain activity, potentially allowing for more precise control and data collection.
The number of electrodes is crucial. These tiny sensors act like microscopic pick-up mics, eavesdropping on the brain’s electrical chatter. The more electrodes you have, the more comprehensively you can “listen” to different brain regions, potentially capturing a wider range of thoughts and signals. This could translate to smoother control of external devices, like robotic limbs for paralyzed patients, or even a more nuanced understanding of brain activity for medical diagnoses.
Precision’s achievement is not only about numbers; it reflects a fundamental shift in BCI technology. Unlike its high-profile competitor, Neuralink—founded by controversial billionaire Elon Musk—Precision prioritizes minimal invasiveness, scalability, and safety. Co-founded by neurosurgeon and engineer Ben Rapoport, Precision aims to restore speech and movement in patients, particularly those who have suffered strokes or spinal cord injuries.
However, cramming more tech into the skull isn’t without risks. Current BCIs require invasive surgery, raising concerns about infection and tissue damage. Traditionally, BCIs require invasive surgery to place the implant directly on the brain tissue. Precision, however, is aiming for a minimally invasive approach, inserting the implant through a small incision in the skull. This could significantly reduce recovery time and improve patient comfort.
Precision claims their minimally invasive design, implanted through a small skull incision, will be available to the public as early as next year.
Still, some experts remain cautious. “We simply don’t have enough data on the long-term effects of shoving thousands of electrodes into someone’s brain,” says Dr. Benamer. Regulation also remains a hurdle. Both Precision and Neuralink face rigorous FDA approval processes before widespread use becomes a reality.
The ethical considerations are equally murky. With more brain data being collected, what safeguards are in place to prevent breaches? Could such devices be used to manipulate or even control thoughts?
While Precision boasts a target market launch next year, the path to widespread adoption is far from clear.
